Report on Round Square Sixth Form Conference held at Cobham Hall
The Sixth Form Conference hosted by Cobham Hall from 17th to 21st April 2008 was a great success. The theme It's your Europe! Make a Difference!' attracted delegates from Round Square schools in Germany, Switzerland, England and Scotland - and from Canada.
After the delegates had settled in to their rooms, the traditional Opening Ceremony was held in the Gilt Hall. The flags of the participating schools were paraded into the hall, where they remained on display throughout the conference.
Delegates then went their Barazza groups. Barazza means a slice, and are small groups, made up of one or two delegates from each school. Throughout a conference, Barazza groups meet regularly to discuss the lecture and presentations, and also to prepare for the social events which are an enjoyable part of the conference.
On the first day, Ian Hamlin of the Damaris International led an interactive workshop entitled 'President for a Day'. Working in their Barazza groups, the delegates had to consider what it takes to run a country. As leaders of a fictional African country called Mobesi, they had to make decisions after consideration of the issues of social justice and equality, wealth and poverty, reconciliation and peace. At the end of the first session, many Presidents found themselves deposed and had to start thinking all over again!
On Friday evening, we welcomed Alexa Poletto who had flown especially from the United States to address the conference on 'Isamaphobia and the New Europe'. This fascinating presentation was full of startling statistics and delegates went away with much to discuss.
Saturday's main event was 'European Question Time'. The panel was chaired by Dermot Scott, Director of the UK Information Office of the European Parliament, who gave a fascinating introduction on the history of the EU.
Fellow panelists were Dr Josephine Payne, well known to students as former Head of English and current teacher of Philosophy, Critical Thinking and Religious Studies. Dr Payne is a self-confessed sceptic where governments and their institutions are concerned.
Challenging her scepticism was Mr Antony Pinchin, Head of Sixth Form and Head of Economics at Cobham Hall, who describes himself as one of the few people to think of himself as European first and English second.
The ensuing debate was most stimulating!
The delegates also enjoyed some relaxation, with visits to Chartwell House and Leeds Castle. Saturday evening was taken up with another Round Square Conference tradition - the Cultural Show. Each Barazza group is given a box of props which they must use to make up a short review or sketch. The results are inventive and hilarious.
The Conference ends with a closing ceremony and formal dinner, followed by a disco for those who still have energy enough.